U20 AFCON: The Gambia Ease Pass South Sudan To Semis

The Scorpions of Gambia had a smooth ride into the TotalEnergies U20 Africa Cup of Nations semis after a 5-0 mauling of debutants South Sudan, at the Border Stadium in Alexandria, on Friday.

3rd in the previous edition, the Gambia faced South Sudan, a surprise package – who were making their debut – in the competition, but managed to make quarter-finals with a first attempt. An unbalanced match was expected but Gambia blew it beyond proportion with a 5-0 victory.

Due to their high pressing in the opposing camp, the Gambians quickly took the lead thanks to Adama Bojang, who was set free by Alagie Saine. Adama Bojang benefited from South Sudan’s school boy defending to score the opener at the 7th minute.

Ultra-dominant, the pals of Abdoulie Bojang then extended the lead thanks to a header from Moses Jarju on a corner struck by Salifu Colley for 2-0 at the 28th minute. In the aftermath, Gambia continued the onslaught thanks to another goal from Adama Bojang following some hard work from Kajally Drammeh down the corner, 3 minutes after the half hour mark.

Upon returning from the locker room, a completely failed outing from goalkeeper Godwill Sabio coupled with an unfavorable rebound allowed 18-year-old Bojang, who plays for local side Steve Biko FC in the country, to complete a remarkable hat-trick to make it 4-0 at the 47th minute.

Mahmudu Bajo put a gloss on the scoreline by turning in Muhamed Sawaneh’s free kick at the 70th) minute.

The Gambia have now qualified for the U20 World Cup, and will be a difficult puzzle for Nigeria to solve in the semi-final on Monday.